Aged 14-25 and want to go behind the scenes and work backstage? We’ve teamed up with Brave Island to offer some amazing opportunities
Brave Island is an online platform created by Ventnor Exchange to provide mentoring, funding, experiences and training for young people interested in the creative industries. With over 350 members it’s the creative network for young people on the Isle of Wight.
Join The Fringe Review Team!
14-17 Year Olds
Aged 14-17 and interested in going backstage at Ventnor Fringe Festival? We’re offering the chance to watch a load of shows, explore the festival, and meet performers, all for free! As a member of the Fringe Review Team you’ll work in a small group to produce a podcast and online content about your experiences to be shared to Ventnor Fringe audiences.
Over the course of two days you’ll get free tickets to watch a variety of shows and learn all about how a festival works, as well as meeting artists, crew, staff, and performers who you’ll have the chance to interview.
You’ll be working together to create content for a podcast about your experience at Ventnor Fringe, as well as having the chance to write up some reviews/articles and social media posts. Your content will be published on Ventnor Fringe’s official website and social media!
This is a great opportunity to see loads of stuff for free, learn more about festivals and events, and make new friends!
18-25 Year Olds
For those aged over 18 we’re also offering the chance to join the Fringe Review team in a slightly different format. You’ll work in a small group to produce the Fringe Review Newspaper documenting your experiences, reviews and interviews, to be shared to Ventnor Fringe audiences.
Over the course of the festival, you’ll get to watch loads of different shows, as well as meeting artists, crew, staff, and performers who you’ll have the chance to interview. You’ll be using your time at Ventnor Fringe to put together content for the newspaper, which will be released every three days during the event.
We’ll create an itinerary for each day, but you’ll be given a press pass to give you free access to any of the events at Ventnor Fringe to be able to create content. You’ll have the freedom to go and explore the festival, with set meeting points throughout the day to come together with the rest of the team and put together your content for the newspaper.
Darkfield Placements
Want to work backstage on a professional theatre production? We have two paid placements for 18-25 year olds interested in Set Design or Stage Management, working with renowned production company Darkfield, who create cutting edge immersive experiences inside shipping containers!
You’ll be working with the Darkfield team to create their new show ARCADE, which previews at Ventnor Fringe before transferring to Edinburgh.
Darkfield transform shipping containers into realistic sets, and use binaural 360 degree sound (3D audio), complete darkness and a variety of sensory effects, to put each audience member at the centre of an intense story. It’s like a mix between a theatre show, being inside a video game, and being on a ride.
Their new show, ARCADE, is inspired by the nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic of 1980’s video games, and explores themes of free will and the evolving relationship between players and avatars.
Paid Set Design Placement (18-25)
This placement is a great opportunity to develop some practical skills, contribute to the build of the show, and gain valuable real world experience working on an innovative new theatre show. You’ll be working with the build team to ensure the safe construction and install of a temporary venue. Throughout the process, you’ll work closely with the Production Manager following their guidance and adhering to safety protocols. This placement opportunity would provide you with practical experience in carpentry, construction techniques, and teamwork, allowing you to develop valuable skills in the field.
Your responsibilities during this placement will include:
Complete various scenic and painting tasks during the build process
Assisting with the build team to install the internal walls to the container
Work with the technical team to better understand the practical considerations when designing the set
Assist with the get in and placement of the ARCADE units during the get in
Assist with various other get in tasks as required
Assist with the get out and dismantling of internal build of the container
There is a set fee of £500, to cover your time and expenses. Find out more, including dates, and apply here
Paid Stage Manager Placement
This is a great opportunity to work as part of the technical team running the show, develop skills using show control technology, gain valuable real world experience working as part of the backstage team on an immersive theatre show. There’s no actors in this show, it all takes place through headphones and other sensory effects, your job responsibilities will include:
Participate in the get in and get out: loading/unloading the van, running in cables, helping check all the arcade machines work.
Shadow the technical manager working on the show, understand safety considerations during the performance, and learn the show running.
Run the rig check at the start of the day. Ensure all headphones, lights and arcade machines are working. Flag any issues or concerns with the technical manager.
Learn the power up and power down process – under supervision of the Technical Manager.
Participate in show reporting documentation
This is a paid role, with a day rate of £100 to cover your time and expenses. Find out more, including dates, and apply here
Volunteer At The Fringe
Another great way to get involved with the festival is to volunteer! If your over 18 you can apply to join the team, with common roles including helping out in the Box Offices and Stewarding, helping audiences in and out of venues and ensuring shows start on time.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, feel more involved with the event and a way to see lots of different shows, including some you might not otherwise have chosen to go and see.
You don’t have to be available for the whole duration of the festival. You can volunteer on any specific days or evenings that work for you.
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